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Virginia Initiative for Employment Not Welfare
The VIEW team guides welfare customers in transitioning from welfare to work and, ultimately, self-sufficiency. VIEW social workers ensure that customers comply with the work requirements while providing case management, crisis intervention, and supportive services to assist in overcoming barriers.

Sanctions (loss of benefits) are imposed for those who do not comply. Supportive services are arranged, such as transportation and child care for a limited time when necessary to enable an individual to work. Customers who may be experiencing domestic violence, substance abuse, or mental health issues in their lives are offered additional assessment and supportive services.

Welfare Reform
VIEW is the Virginia Initiative for Employment Not Welfare, also known as Welfare Reform. The VIEW program contains work requirements, case management, crisis intervention, and allows TANF customers to earn more money and keep their TANF benefits. VIEW limits TANF to 24 months in a 60-month period.

Individuals who receive TANF must register with the VIEW program unless they are exempt for one of the following reasons:

Youngest child on the TANF grant is under 12 months old and not a “capped” child

Individual receiving TANF is younger than age 18 or older than age 60

Individuals who have a medical condition that prevents them from working (the condition must be documented by a doctor or nurse)

Individuals who are exempt may volunteer for VIEW. A volunteer participant receives the same advantages as a VIEW registrant. Volunteers must meet the same requirements and are subject to the same sanctioning as VIEW registrants.

Evaluation
After registration a VIEW customer meets with a VIEW Social Worker within 30 days of registration to evaluate skills, education, strengths, barriers, and supportive service needs. This is called the Initial Assessment. After the Initial Assessment, VIEW customers will usually be assigned to Job Readiness activities to learn how to seek and prepare for employment.

Participants who are not successful in finding employment after completing Job Search and Job Readiness programs will participate in work activities that will enhance their employment skills, address barriers, prepare them for employment, and ultimately self-sufficiency.

Work Experience Program
One of the work activities is the Work Experience program. Work Experience positions are volunteer placements located in non-profit organizations such as schools, churches or government offices. Participants who are placed in Work Experience can build valuable employment skills and often move quickly to paid employment.

To learn more about the VIEW program or any other program, you may call the Dinwiddie Department of Social Services at (804) 469-4524 between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.